With a production run of almost 12 years, Seiko’s “Bell-Matic” line offers every imaginable style and layout. One could easily amass a collection of “Bells” that would allow for weeks of rotation without repeating. There are, however, a few pieces in this line up that a true collector could spend years trying to track down, and still come up empty handed. The most sought being the “Dolphin” case back/“Diashock” Dial from 1966. The Bell-Matic was introduced in November of that year, and that case back was phased out the following December. This means that there was only one month in history that they were in production, and then it was only for the Japanese domestic market. Between its introduction in 1966 and through the following year, there were just a few other early models that saw very short production periods, and again, only for the Japanese market. Among them the “Dolphin Back” mentioned above, the “21 j,” the “Diashock Dial,” and this beauty, the “Business Bell.” For a few months in the 1967/68 production year, Seiko offered a sophisticated alarm watch with an elegant layout that said what it meant right on the dial.... Business. Import tariffs on luxury watches (those over 17 jewels) made them too expensive to offer to the North American market, and in mid 1968, the “Business Bell” moniker was dropped. There are few examples available, and almost nonexistent in this condition. The dial is a flawless rich silver sunburst with a lacquered finish that's dressed with polished and beveled applied baguette markers with black striping. The hands are broad, sword style hands are tapered to a fine point, and striped to match. Framing the dial is a dropped minute chapter and a thin satin alarm cursor ring with a subtle “ramp” indicator. The case follows the “Grammar of Design” philosophy with a crisp, almost faceted appearance. The bell has a bright, crisp ring that is distinct to these earlier examples due to the fact that the sounding spring is much longer than those seen in subsequent models. It practically encompasses the entire circumference of the movement. To add to its rarity, this example from May of ‘68 comes attached to its original woven “Brick” pattern bracelet.  It’s completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service is keeping near perfect time. The bell has a bright crisp tone, and the cursor has been carefully aligned for accuracy. A truly rare piece of Seiko history, this “Bell” of the ball is a collector’s dream.

Original Seiko Nine Link “Brick” Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced- 3/25

Diameter- 38.5mm

Lugs- 19mm